**1. Introduction**

The concept of integrative medicine (IM) combines conventional and complementary medicine and has become an increasingly emerging area of interest for patients and professionals alike. The regulations of complementary medicine are constantly developing, and the professional licensing and health insurance programmes are multiplying rapidly [1–5]. While the conventional understanding of medical treatment was predominantly in reacting to pathologic values, modern integrative medicine rather aims at promoting salutogenetic and hygiogenetic health as sources in a proactive manner [6].

IM in the context of anthroposophic medicine focuses on the human being as a whole— on the body, vitality, mind, and spirit—to achieve optimal health and healing [6]. The most widely used approach to complementary medicine can be divided into two subcategories: natural products, as well as mind and body practices and acupuncture [7]. This includes appropriate therapeutic and lifestyle approaches as well as healthcare professionals and most modern disciplines.

**Citation:** Megas, I.-F.; Tolzmann, D.S.; Bastiaanse, J.; Fuchs, P.C.; Kim, B.-S.; Kröz, M.; Schad, F.; Matthes, H.; Grieb, G. Integrative Medicine and Plastic Surgery: A Synergy—Not an Antonym. *Medicina* **2021**, *57*, 326. https://doi.org/10.3390/ medicina57040326

Academic Editors: Robert H. Schneider, Mahadevan Seetharaman and EdgarasStankevicius

Received: 29 January 2021 Accepted: 25 March 2021 Published: 1 April 2021

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As a synthesis of conventional and complementary treatment options, IM combines the pathogenetic with the salutogenetic or hygiogenetic approach of therapy [6]. The aim is to create a holistic system of medicine for the individual. Precisely this concept addresses the patient's needs and requirements of the present; a period of time in which self-determination and personal responsibility have become more and more important [8].

For example, in anthroposophic integrative oncology, it is an established concept to propose mistletoe therapy (*Viscum album* L., VA) concomitant to antineoplastic treatment in cancer patients in order to improve the tolerability of oncology-induced toxicity [9]. In anthroposophic cardiology, for example, the influence of rhythmic massage on heart rate variability has been studied [10].

The field of complementary medicine, as far as natural products are involved, is already present in plastic surgery [11]. For example, *Arnica montana*, onion extract, Vitamin E products, and *Melitolus* are considered beneficial [11]. Mind and body practices, such as hypnosis and meditation, are also known to have a positive effect on the postoperative course of plastic surgery patients [11]. It should also be mentioned that therapeutic concepts of integrative medicine can be applied in all four pillars of plastic surgery (aesthetic surgery, reconstructive surgery, burns, and hand surgery) [2,11–14]. However, little is known about the impact of a broader integrative concept that is based on anthroposophic medicine and combines these individual offerings and procedures, as the utilisation of IM in plastic surgery departments seems to be under-frequented [2]. We aim to share our encouraging first experiences of anthroposophic medicine integrated into standard plastic surgery treatments.
